Audio enthusiasts are delighting that Audio by Van Alstine, has released its next chapter in the pursuit of uncompromised digital audio, the DAC MK 5, a multi-format digital to analog converter which supports PCM data streams up to and including 192kHz as well as DSD64 and DSD128 formats.
The DAC MK 5 features the renowned AKM AK4490EQ D/A converter device and AVA's implementation uses optimized, independent, active voltage references for the highest conversion accuracy, while analog processing is handled by discrete solid-state class A circuits. According to the press release, “these incredibly linear and musical circuits present the kind of transparent highs and liquid mids you’ve come to expect from the best tube circuits combined with the solid bottom that you've come to expect from the best solid state".
Company president Frank Van Alstine states, "With the DAC MK 5, we have significantly raised the bar regarding what you can expect from digital audio playback. What's also notable with the DAC MK 5 is the absence of clicks, pops and other drama when switching between formats, even to and from DSD. It’s an absolute pleasure to listen to and to use."
The DAC MK 5 seamlessly supports PCM data streams up to and including 192kHz as well as DSD64 and DSD128 formats. Sample rate and format information are displayed using front panel indicators. It has a total of five inputs: two coaxial S/PDIF, two optical Toslink and one USB port.
The DAC MK5 announcement brings the total number of components released during the last year, in AVA's ultra-high-end at rational prices series, to three. The hybrid DVA 850 monoblock amplifier was released at Axpona last year, and the solid state four-channel/stereo configurable DVA 4/2 power amplifier was released earlier in March. The Transcendence 10 RB, an affordable, minimalist tube preamplifier, was also released at Axpona.